Top 10 unusual visits in Tarn-et-Garonne

The Tarn-et-Garonne is a region full of surprises with a multitude of varied and colorful landscapes. Do you like original visits? Places that are out of the ordinary? Escape into the heart of nature to discover the 10 unusual visits of the Tarn-et-Garonne.

Opening photo: The Petrifying Cascade of Caylus Photo by AdobeStock Jacky-Jeannet

1 The Grain Hall of Auvillar

Make a stop in Aurillac, an ancient Gallo-Roman town classified among the most beautiful villages in France. In the heart of the red bricks, stones and arcades that line the Place des Halles, stands the magnificent Halle aux Grains, unique in its kind with its circular appearance on a triangular square. Built in 1824, this true jewel of the region delivers the name of the cereals sold at the time on wooden inscriptions which reveal corn, wheat, oats, barley and even buckwheat. Close your eyes to imagine the atmosphere of the market at the time.

2 The Château de Saint-Projet

Just 1 hour from Montauban, visit the incredible Château de Saint-Projet, a survivor of the anger of the King of France during the Hundred Years' War who destroyed all the castles that hosted Queen Margot. Built at the end of the 13th century, it reveals a unique room, the room where Marguerite de Valois, known as Queen Margot, stayed. Discovered in 1990 during renovation work, his room is today open to visitors with its period furniture and the writings in his account book. Immerse yourself in the heart of a historic past at the Château de Saint-Projet, which impresses with its austerity, its magnificent balconies and its well-decorated rooms.

3 The Grotte du Bosc in Saint-Antonin

Become a speleologist for the day, explore the Grotte du Bosc, the only one open to visitors in Tarn-et-Garonne. Unusual in its shapes and colors, confuse the stalactites and stalagmites during a 45-minute guided tour in the heart of the underground galleries. Atypical for its concretions, the place also amazes with its location within the forest of the Gorges de l'Aveyron, 3 km from the medieval city of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. Keep your eyes peeled, an encounter with a bat is not impossible!

4 The water slope of Montech

Located along the side canal of the Garonne, discover an unusual and unmissable site in Tarn-et-Garonne, the Montech water slope. Invented in 1974 by Jean Aubert, it serves as a boat lift to save 45 minutes of precious time for long boats of more than 30 meters. Unique in the world and 100% French, this incredible industrial heritage closed to navigation since 2009 opens its floodgates again in 2021 to present river tourism and the technical prowess of the Montech water slope to curious and intrigued visitors. Renovated and brought back to life, the surprising machine now appears colorful in a graphic style from the 80s.

5 The brooms of Grisolles

A true meticulous and passionate craftsman, it was in 1856 that Peyrebrune had the idea of making pretty brooms, after losing his job as horse post manager with the arrival of the trains. Mulching, sewing and finishing, this artisanal know-how was taken up in 1987 by Jean Marc Coulom, who restored the notoriety of sorghum brooms in Grisolles, which was at the time the European capital of brooms. Visit a charming provincial town which has a museum, a half-timbered house and a metal hall, before learning all the secrets of sorghum straw and wicker. Rest assured, Jean Marc will not make you sweep his workshop.

6 Ingreo, large aquatic complex in Tarn-et-Garonne

You will no longer know where to swim in this immense aquatic complex designated the 3rd largest in France. An Olympic pool, a spacious paddling pool, numerous pools, wellness equipment and a solarium, you have all the comfort of a swimming pool combined with the facilities of a relaxation area. Surrounded by a magnificent rose garden, Ingreo welcomes you all year round in the heart of the town of Montauban for an unusual moment with family or friends. Sport or leisure, the choice is yours.

7 The medieval underground of Castela

In Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, it is on the banks of the Agout river that a fabulous rocky treasure is hidden, the medieval underground of Castela. Dug out of the iron peak, magnificent galleries and various rooms offer an unforgettable spectacle of regularity between the old living rooms, the grain silos, the water points and the lamp niches which served as a refuge for the inhabitants during the Middle age. Its function evolved over time to become a warehouse for the lords of the castle in the 13th century. Go on an unusual adventure into the depths of the earth.

8 The Petrifying Waterfall of Caylus

You will be amazed by the magnificent and petrifying Caylus waterfall in Saint-Pierre-Livron, in the hamlet of Cabanes. A true nugget of Tarn-et-Garonne, it surprises with its unusual shape, created naturally by the limestone present in the Livron river. A basin with turquoise blue water, a rock with a spongy texture, atypical colors due to limestone, the petrifying waterfall of Caylus is a unique sight to admire in the Tarn-et-Garonne. Take advantage of your getaway to visit the charming village of Caylus, just 2 km away.

9 Lauzerte and its raised corner

Emblematic heart of the Tarn-et-Garonne, the pretty bastide of Lauzerte created in the 12th century is an essential stopover for lovers of history. Designated as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is one of the paths leading to Santiago de Compostela and has many surprises in store for its visitors, in particular its famous raised corner located on the famous Place des Cornières. Artistic creation of the ceramist Jacques Buchholtz, it surprises by its form and its natural integration on this square with sandstone cobblestones. Don't miss this surreal fantasy surrounded by arcades, stone houses and small medieval streets.

10 The Roc d’Anglars via ferrata

Notice to sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers, the Roc d'Anglars via ferrata offers you magnificent verticality to defy gravity. Take one of the two routes depending on your level and admire the breathtaking view of the Aveyron gorges. Monkey bridges, footbridges and long zip lines, the route to Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is varied and fun in a setting surrounded by nature. With your ropes and crampons, let's go for the climb.

So many discoveries in Tarn-et-Garonne! Between heritage and sporting activities, everyone's desires are satisfied for a successful holiday exploring the top 10 unusual visits in the Tarn-et-Garonne.

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